Measuring the Candidates for Falmouth Selectmen

Board of Selectmen candidates are gearing up to answer the public’s questions. Topping the Ballot issues this go-a-round are some hefty price tagged items that unfortunately have been lumped together under the guise of ‘Water Quality Management’ (even thought it remains about water quality if the projects were to be addressed separately). The point is that such practices and policy are set by the Selectmen. Good or bad, these policies and practices pose significant repercussions upon core community tenants and values.

The ideals held by a community shouldn’t be driven by budget or taxes. The quality of  its integrity would be as fleeting as the wind. Recall last year, Selectmen presented their intention to remove the Town’s wind turbines, and the Planning board, Finance Committee and almost two-thirds Town Meeting gave their support to the initiative based upon recognized adverse community repercussions.

A year later, the Selectmen have dramatically changed their position. The board instead now sues its Zoning Board of Appeals for upholding the very same core community values for which it had campaigned. The reason for the position change – $$$.

Such a reversal of policy position requires critical appraisal when assessing new candidates. Will the next set of Selectmen (two seats available) be as susceptible to ‘flip-flopping’ for funds? Will they compromise long held community ideals like being neighborly for the ‘business-like’ bottom dollar? Has Falmouth’s local government priorities become askew?

Many things have changed since last May’s Ballot. One thing that hasn’t –Questions about a failing capital project and the reality of it requiring financial subsidies simply to break-even. Are these the promised repercussions the community must live with? Is the eleventh hour state $1.8 million wind relief offer just an exalted extortion attempt to promote the state’s renewable energy Will upon the alter of Falmouth’s wind crucible? It’s no secret this nuisance issue has fractured the community to it’s core. Should a state bribe be cause for community leaders to turn a blind eye to being neighborly?

The honest answers in the next few weeks will pose significant repercussions far greater than from voter wallets. Voters, and especially candidates, would be wise to take note.  Both cannot afford not to.